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Notebook: WR Caldwell Earns His Diploma

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

GANESVILLE WR Andre Caldwell, Florida's all-time receptions leader, will take a handoff today from UF President Bernie Machen. Caldwell, a former Jefferson High star, is one of eight Florida players who will receive their diplomas this weekend.

Caldwell's sociology degree is special, because he didn't originally plan on getting it when he signed with Florida. Caldwell has said his original plan was to play three years and go to the NFL. Injuries changed that plan, and Caldwell made earning his diploma as high a priority as breaking the school record for catches.

"Just to see him leave with a [degree] and playing at the top of his game, there's no better feeling," fellow WR Percy Harvin said of Caldwell.

The other graduating Gators are TE Derek Baldry, RB Markus Manson, DT Clint McMillan, OT Carlton Medder, C Drew Miller, DB Moise Paul and OT Phil Trautwein.

HANDS FREE: Florida QB Tim Tebow had the cast removed Friday from his broken right (non-throwing) hand. Tebow wore a thin brace at Friday's practice. Gators coach Urban Meyer said the reigning Heisman Trophy winner probably won't need the brace by the time Florida faces Michigan in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1.

Tebow broke the hand during a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of the Gators' win against Florida State on Nov. 24.

REPLACING RUTLEDGE: Meyer said freshman TE Aaron Hernandez will get all the snaps that would have gone to FB Eric Rutledge, who is suspended for the bowl game.

"He's tremendous," Meyer said. "He's as improved a player as we have. He's a weapon. We'll use him quite a bit in the bowl game … He's just scratching the surface of his potential."

Andy Staples

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